And The Point Of It All…
I am reminded of Anthony Hamilton’s soulful ballad titled, “And The Point of It All,” when I think of the recent brouhaha surrounding LeBron James’ free agency circus. Hamilton artfully croons his message of love to his babe regardless of the dark days of time spent away from one another or major hurdles that may come their way. This expression of love in a direct, quick, and easy way seems light years away from the drama surrounding James’ announcement to sign his next NBA contract with the Miami Heat. The point of it all appears to be that a Black man’s decision to exercise his freedom within a capitalistic society and commercialized sport business can lead to unnecessary mudslinging and hostility.
The points:
1. The economic engine of America is capitalism. This system is the framework in which individuals can dream, plan, and hopefully execute their strategy to achieve financial success. The profit that one optimistically makes can be reinvested in the venture or given away as a charitable act to serve those in need or less fortunate. Many argue that this system is what makes the USA great. Others deem the system to be a mere tool for those in power to keep the power and continue the “have versus have-not” politic of control and influence. Regardless of one’s opinion, one should not confuse Dan Gilbert’s ranting about LeBron’s departure as anything but a man’s anger in losing his wallet. It is very disturbing to see the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers show such a childish attitude regarding a man who earned him and the city of Cleveland money, recognition, and respect. His idiotic comments about LeBron’s alleged betrayal and lack of fortitude only reflect how his own self-interest had become bigger than LeBron’s quest for independence and victory. Shame on you Dan!
2. Free agency in professional sports runs on the economic principle of
efficiency. In the economic system, the owners seek to get the most out of limited resources. There is a finite number of megastar basketball players. According to Dr. Patrick Rishe, an economics professor at Webster University, the Cavaliers franchise is at least $60 million more valuable with King James ruling their court…and more likely $100 million more valuable. (This study is based on a review of attendance and fan cost indices for the Cleveland Cavaliers in both the 7 years pre-LeBron and 7 years with LeBron, as well as a review of recent NBA ‘revenue-to-franchise value’ ratios and Consumer Price Index data.) And of course, with the addition of the calculation of sponsorship, media, and branding revenues of The Witness certainly laid the foundation for a heated battle for someone who could affect this efficiency model. Dan Gilbert and other owners must identify tradeoffs in the context of constraints. Seven years ago LeBron was the draft pick that turned this seemingly cursed franchise into one of the most profitable professional basketball franchises. In 2005 Gilbert purchased the team for $375 million hoping that his key star player would continue to stimulate interest, wins, and most importantly profit for himself. LeBron clearly interrupted his plans of efficiency and profit-maximization. Instead of betting the entire hand on one player’s desire to stay and play at home, Gilbert and company should have worked smarter over the years to provide LeBron with a real point guard to reduce the pressure on this young superstar. Gilbert simply placed his chip on a big victory in free agency and lost.
3. Black men are often times attacked when they seek to control their own destiny. When Curt Flood, the Black all-star baseball player who paved the way for this current free agency opportunity, challenged Major League Baseball in 1970 he could not have imagined that a decision to choose his own destiny would shake the foundation of professional sports in America. At the time, the reserve clause was that part of the standard player’s contract which bound the player, one year at a time, in perpetuity to the club owning his contract. Flood had no interest in moving to Philadelphia, a city he had always viewed as racist, but more importantly, he objected to being treated as a piece of property and to the restriction of freedom embedded in the reserve clause. His courage to stand up to owners and the system eventually cost him his career but opened the minds for future players to legally confront the player restriction regulation and win. Now, let’s fast forward to the NBA off-season and the LeBron saga. LeBron was born and raised in Cleveland. He chose to stay at home for his first job and hired his friends to help him maneuver the manipulations of mega-stardom. He worked hard to bring prominence to a basketball franchise that more years than not, struggled in attendance, profitability, and victories. LeBron turned the Cleveland mystique around and made it cool to wear the # 23 again, headbands, and the ever-changing franchise colors of wine, gold and blue. His dunks opened up SportsCenter shows, his charming smile graced numerous magazine covers, and made the country giddy over this young prodigy. His life off the court was scandal-free and he kindly represented the USA in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. However, his leadership, the playoff run and record-setting wins for the Cavs didn’t matter to many of the self-absorbed Cleveland fans and in particular, their owner. They wanted more of LeBron – another contract, continued pressure of being the savior, and control of James’ own desires to explore new territory and dreams. Does this story sound familiar? To many Blacks – an emphatic yes! When White men control the system or plantation and the slave wants his freedom or “40 acres and a mule,” there is little, if any, understanding of the necessity to leave the seemingly great environment. How dare you LeBron? Cleveland gave you everything you could possible want or need!
4. The commercialization of sport can generate ugly consequences. However, a good outcome can be made with careful planning. With all the various sport media and in particular, ESPN distribution outlets in print, video, online, and television serving up 24/7 reports on our athletes, can one even wonder why LeBron would choose NOT to accept the idea of creating a show about his free agency decision? The one-hour special was only sad in that 7% of the nation tuned in for this made-for-television spectacle. We have created a monster in many of our entertainment and sport stars and then we are surprised when they use the system to feed their own interests. Or more sadly, we can’t even accept when the monster uses the opportunity for good. Nielsen reported that the show peaked with a 9.6 rating from 9:15-9:30 p.m. when the program shifted to when LeBron officially made the announcement. That rating marked the highest non-NFL rating on ESPN this year – including their exclusive apology interview with Tiger Woods in March and A-Rod’s admission of guilt of using performance-enhancing drugs interview in February 2009. LeBron and company simply leveraged the mechanisms of capitalism to partner with ESPN to provide a platform to give back to those less fortunate. ESPN created the storyline of LeBron free agency and then offered up the final cha-ching to crystallize the drama. Sounds like an Emmy for original score, casting and production to me! The station donated the block of time and LeBron negotiated the ad revenue for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In the end, the ESPN decision show generated $6 million in ad revenue and the eight sponsors featured in the show received $2.9 million in equivalent ad time. Sounds like a win-win in the midst of the madness. Many have enjoyed watching LeBron in Cleveland over the past seven years.
Although I am not a LeBron fan, I can include myself in that group of those cheering for a franchise that took on the burden of the entire city. As much I hoped that he would stay at home to build on his Cavalier legacy, his decision to go play for the Miami Heat and to “grow up and away” from his childhood home is admirable. Clearly, there was a struggle to find the right solution to make everyone happy. He soon came to realize that his answer must and could only make sense for himself. He owes no one, especially Cleveland, more time, commitment or energy. His only mistake, if there were one, was in the delivery of the decision. Perhaps he should have worked to provide more advanced notice to Gilbert. However, we don’t know the behind-the-scenes dynamics, which may have prevented such action. If Gilbert’s vitriolic comments are any indication of the misguided passion behind this owner’s sentiments towards LeBron, perhaps we received the best delivery of the news that he could offer at such a sensitive time. Life moves on and we can now happily get back to a much more broad coverage of sports. Quite simply, LeBron alone has to live with his free agency decision and the increased expectations focused in South Beach. And that is the final point of it all.
The Two Worlds of Tiger Collide: Do You Believe in Second Chances?
On this past Friday at 11:00 a.m. EST most of America stood still. Not for health care reform, terrorist declarations or even the death of a dignitary. Tiger Woods spoke directly to us as he took the microphone for the first time since his car accident on Thanksgiving and we listened. Although most Americans appear to have heard an authentic man at his lowest point requesting our help, there are some who still question the motives and heart of the world’s #1 golfer. As someone who attempts to put my faith into action, I have ceased the Tiger analysis and will do this one thing that the man who has changed the face of golf (and the sport industry) asked – to try to believe in him again.
Jonathan Bernstein, a respected public relations expert, states that “during a crisis, effective spokespersons must, primarily through their non-verbal cues, leave their audiences with the impression that they are: confident, competent, and compassionate. Leaving the commentary of the facial and body analysis experts aside, Tiger’s written words were heartfelt and delivered with sincerity. Can you truly imagine having committed the most sex-related “irresponsible and selfish behavior” against someone you love and then having to face your closest friends and colleagues (and the world) to ask for their forgiveness? Tiger just can’t win in this regard. If he appears confident and secure in his message by reading his statement, then one can interpret him as being arrogant and cocky. If he expresses a clear understanding of his wrongdoings and their implications, then he can be viewed as a proud man, fearless of advice and guidance. Lastly, the compassion-less Tiger who won’t shed a tear or breakdown is only putting on a show to impress his fans and sponsors. The apology becomes a cloak for his need to keep million dollar contracts intact. Why didn’t you go impromptu with just bullet points? Why didn’t you cry?
So why even bother at all Tiger? You don’t need any more money or applause. You can go chase majors without standing in front of a podium knowing very well that the media vultures want to make your life theirs. In fact, you would play the game of your youth for free without a foursome. You have close friends and family who will stand by your side regardless of your golf acumen and proficiency. Why come before the world to risk more attacks, innuendos, and gossip? Tiger took the risk because he can no longer separate Tiger the man from Tiger the brand.
Tiger the man, not unlike most high-powered celebrities, has tried to keep his personal life away from the public persona. In his press conference he stated that he “always tried to be a private person.” He loves to practice and play golf. He has youthful interests and loves working with children. He only trusts a small circle of friends. Tiger the brand invaded Tiger the man’s controlling and secretive lifestyle though. This boldness and egotism designed by external forces for life outside of the greens finally caught up with him and he had no choice but to face his wife and explain the trail of transgressions. Tiger the brand was probably not created by this private Tiger. Tiger the man spent too many hours on the golf course mastering his swing to invent this fun-loving, gregarious, fashion-conscious, and hot ladies’ man. His father, the media, and the sponsors needed a role model and idol – someone that could change America.
Tiger the brand was developed with much thought in corporate laboratories to inspire all people, regardless of race, religion, age or gender to get fit, play golf, and indulge in the numerous product offerings affiliated with Tiger. Tiger the brand is money. This brand was designed and manufactured to help sport economics by creating jobs in sport journalism, television, golf equipment, golf apparel, and business services. The more we see of Tiger the brand, the more dollars pass through the economy. Tiger the brand became such a major asset to the sport world that this talent became influential in politics and money matters. (Note: Pres. Obama’s request for his appearance while campaigning and at the Inauguration. Also, the Nielson ratings drop over 50% when Tiger does not play in a televised tournament.) When the tabloids announced the brewing scandal and further scrutiny proved true, Tiger the man met Tiger the brand. His personal pain became ours.
Many fans are disappointed by Tiger’s humanness. This sentiment makes sense and is very valid. Tiger the brand invaded our homes as he pitched products that we believe represent wholesomeness, integrity, good health, and quality. We didn’t see Tiger the man every day at the golf course. We saw Tiger the brand, the idol. We purchased Tiger the brand golf clubs, watches, hats, shirts, and even drank his sport drink. However, when the idol fell, we collectively gasped and castigated Tiger the man. No longer did we see a man that had lost his father and quite possibly his way. We didn’t ask him how his religion influenced his golf play. Truth be told, we didn’t notice or really care that he had actually lost his faith and was now serving false gods. We didn’t ask Tiger the man about his associates and in particular, two seemingly close relationships with older former NBA stars that have a public track record of womanizing. We didn’t ask Tiger about the pressures that all young couples experience coupled with his demanding profession. And most importantly, we didn’t care how an only child born of a mixed marriage was processing race in America and its effects on his billion-dollar empire. We didn’t ask because Tiger the brand was impenetrable and in control. The two worlds have now collided and Tiger the man has asked us to be patient and wait for Tiger the brand to make a comeback.
We need no more explanations and apologies. Tiger the man has told us that he has let us down. He stated that he is sorry. He says he knows that he needs help. His strength of recovery lies in his family, golf clubs, and will. His earnest plea is for his fans, and his fans alone, to “find room in your hearts to one day believe in me again.” For all that we have learned over the nearly past three months, surely we can take a break from the Tiger news and let him heal. Let’s be real Americans and support the underdog. We can cheer on Tiger the man, his marriage, and his revival. His track record to overcome and beat the odds is very favorable. This situation is new territory for Tiger the man, but I will not count him out. The PGA desperately needs this golf prodigy to pay bills and keep our attention, and we need his smile and impact. Yes, much will change when Tiger the brand comes back to the golf world. Sure, he will win majors and secure sponsorships. However, the one welcome change will be the transparent golf star. This time around, Tiger the man will know, manage, and define Tiger the brand.
Tiger Acting Like a Black Athlete Now?
Tiger Woods has a problem and now so do I. I was naïve to think that I could survive this holiday season of Tigervision with its seemingly minute-by-minute reports of his self-described transgressions. Every media outlet needs a story to remain viable in this world of at-your-touch news and Tiger’s naughtiness provides the perfect scoop. This tale probably has no beginning and quite possibly no end. However, my nerves became frayed and I saw the immediate end of my sideline observer role when I changed the channel and popped in on the Joy Behar Show. As they discussed the latest Tiger escapade, Ms. Behar cleverly asked for insight on how the African-American community might possibly feel about his sins. Her query was directed to a female African-American guest, Karith Foster, who calmly stated that Tiger was finally acting like a black athlete. Pump your brakes!
Although Ms. Foster’s listed occupation is comedian, she made her bold statement sans smile or giggle. She was very serious and obviously hurt by his choice of women in this scandal. She went on to describe how the black athlete needs a white woman – a trophy wife – to be successful. Ms. Foster’s understanding of the black male athlete is a stereotype and confusion-filled. Shame on her and the media for supporting the racist mindset that promulgates a representation of the black male athlete as a superhuman man that seeks sexual pleasure from every white female that worships his athletic prowess. Surely we in 2009 know better, right? Yes, the ESPNification of our sports world has created larger than life entertainment figures. Money, power and women. That’s the ticket out of a poor situation – mentally and physically. It is no longer satisfactory to score a touchdown and hand the ball to the referee or dunk the basketball and hustle back to play defense. Instead we see many of our athletes (and more likely a black man) showboating, drawing attention to themselves, and discounting the teamwork necessary to achieve such success. We as fans are drawn to the television waiting to see the clownish antics instead of running to the restroom or going back for more chips.
What has happened to sport? Or is that the very issue? It is no longer a game but rather an entertaining sitcom. Has our drive for personalities created this monster that we can no longer applaud? And to fan the flames even more, that black male athlete is then pictured at courtside, leaving the nightclub or the Hollywood awards show with a blonde haired, blue-eyed dame at his side. The racists cry out in disgust as their claims of the animalistic behavior of the black man requires the conquest of the virgin white woman. Thus, they must protect their defenseless and pure woman from the sexually charged black beast. The idealists see no color but only the expression of pure love between consenting adults. The rest of us pause, take note, and move on since there are much more pressing issues in our lives such as our ability to pay our mortgage or change the temperature in our office.
And now we have commentary to suggest that Tiger’s African genes are emerging from dormancy. So, he goes on a rampage to subjugate women. Hog wash! Most black male athletes are not chasing or keeping a harem of white women. They may not be married. They may not live the all-american lifestyle of a wife, house, and two kids either. Black male athletes are human and they are faced with pressures that are unimaginable for most. The exorbitant salaries they earn may appear to be a nice band-aid for all they are subjected to each and everyday, but didn’t we learn a long time ago that money couldn’t buy you happiness or manners?
Yes, I am a biased Tiger fan. I believe that he is not consciously excluding himself from blacks. Oftentimes our environment dictates our circle of friends and associates. Look at the demographics of the golf industry. How many black females attend golf tournaments or get invited to events whereby they could be introduced to Tiger-types? Not that it is required to be defined as a black man, but it is my understanding that he had a black girlfriend while attending Stanford. In addition, he certainly pays homage to the black golf greats through his writings and as a golfer. If one knows anything about the history of the media and its positive portrayal of African-Americans, one cannot expect an accurate picture of Tiger’s outreach to the black caddies and minority youth. It’s just not going to hit the front-page folks. And don’t think for a moment that the red and black outfit he wears on Sundays is not a strategic move either. Tiger is black. Tiger is Thai. Tiger is an athlete who made a mistake. He has a history of comebacks and success. I am confident that he will seek forgiveness from God and his wife. The former will grant that request and I hope that his marriage can survive. The black community also has a history of forgiveness for our lost and wayward members. We all cheered his victories and dominance in the white man’s game and now we should just as eagerly and earnestly pray for him. Certainly the executives of the PGA are praying since Tiger’s appearances and wins pays most of their bills. Tiger’s errant actions are no more typical of a black athlete as is his ability to hit his driver over 350 yards. He has motivated many of us to get fit, try the game of golf for the first time, and a new club or technique to improve our scores. Tiger is a motivator. Now let’s all get off the sidelines again to use this circumstance as inspiration to be critical thinkers in the midst of the media firestorm, to find sanity, and to apply our own personal life lesson.
In God We Trust — And That’s About It!
Sheeessh! By the news events of the past few weeks, one would have thought that it was time to grab our belongings and head to hills. Can anyone be trusted in this information age of hustle, fast-talk, get-rich deals, and quickie-relationships? Here’s a bit of timeless advice for those desperately seeking peace-of-mind and still holding on in hope for a brighter tomorrow –
Don’t seriously date someone that doesn’t have as much as you to lose financially in a relationship (especially if you’re already married). Yes, this tip may appear narrow-minded, elitist, and tough to swallow but the facts reflect reality. Mr. McNair more than likely lost his life not because the alleged killer was not cute enough or highly cultured, but rather she got a taste of the good life that she had never previously experienced. The young lover was not an observable regular in the high-income bracket circle. Her self-defined love and feelings for this once-in-a-lifetime fling would not permit her to let go. She probably rested on the “if I can’t have him, no one else will” sentiment to end their lives tragically. It is highly doubtful that a businesswoman with millions (who was rejected by a rich lover that would periodically spend his mint on her to woo her) would take her own life and risk the chance to meet another stud athlete with bank and street cred.
Drink more water and eat something green everyday. Pretty simple and logical, huh? Well, apparently most Americans don’t understand the levels of toxicity in the world that are directly attacking our vital organs. Our government just reported that 1 in 4 people get sick every year due to food-borne illnesses. If you haven’t looked around lately (or don’t trust the folks in D.C.) while visiting the mall, supermarket or movies, you might not have noticed the increasing tires around the waists of many men and rolls on women. Our nation is inhaling poison and eating too much sugar. In addition, there are over 12 million obese children. Data from NHANES surveys (1976–1980 and 2003–2006) show that the prevalence of obesity has increased from 5.0% to 17.6% for those aged 12–19 years. Yikes! We must cleanse daily. There is a simple law of physics that we all learned in grade school: all matter is in a state of entropy. Everything is changing by moving either forward or backwards. Nothing stays the same. To that end, you are either aging gracefully or perched high and hanging on by your fingernails as you look down at a bed of nails. Please don’t think your digestive track (and in particular, your liver) can do the necessary cleansing to offset the junk in the air and your self-selected food and water supply. And don’t wait on the FDA to adequately address salmonella and E.coli contamination. Incredibly, the Food Safety Contamination Act of 2009 has just gone to Congress…so what kind of protection have we had up to this point in time? Scary. Very scary. Thank heavens for our First Lady and her emphasis on vegetables and growing your own garden.
Be loyal to yourself and not your job. Huh? Yes, the days of working for an employer for 30 years to receive the gold watch and phat pension are over. Kaput! Sayonara! Instead, focus on how you can serve your clients – your boss, your peers, and your customers. If you take care of others, the universe will take care of you. Period. I’m not debating her decision to disregard her commitment to Alaskans, but even Gov. Palin realized that it is best to walk away and control her own life destiny. Others may consider her resignation to be shortsighted but she saw that jewel as false gold. Trusting the company line may get you in trouble when you need them most. Get rid of that pride and keep your resume updated. Tell those who sincerely care about your well being about your career interests early and often. Why? Shift happens. They can serve as ambassadors to inform you of job opportunities and career contacts when you aren’t around to receive the news or referral firsthand. The U.S. unemployment rate has risen to a 26-year high of nearly 10%, which is not only affecting the low-income strata but also the wealthy as they must become more efficient and strategic in business management. It is of no surprise that the NBA recently announced a lower salary cap ($57.7 million) for the upcoming season. Who wants to dig into their retirement and “fun-stuff” kitty to pay extra millions to employees (i.e., highly-skilled basketball players)? Hey ballers! Keep practicing those jump shots and crossover moves but don’t be shy about buying a condo in the many cities your career will take you, instead of throwing money down the drain in the purchase of opulent mansions to show off to your posse. Oh, and don’t forget that everyone is replaceable so watch your ego too.
Secure your financial foundation. Fundamentals in economic concepts include learning the difference between needs and wants. Pump your brakes on those expenditures that are not helping you stay healthy or providing shelter. Look at the alternatives and what is foregone (the opportunity cost) when considering a four-hour and $120 hair appointment. Educate yourself on insurance basics to protect yourself and loved ones in case of an unexpected loss. Using discounted dollars to replace property or loss of life is the most prudent decision unless you are independently wealthy. Life, health, disability and P&C (home, auto, etc.) should never be an afterthought. And don’t believe for a hot minute that crooks like Madoff operate on their own. Be suspicious of those in St. John knit, Kiton and Armani suits that you can never contact outside of business hours. The corporate web of lies and criminal activity have sent many portfolios south and far too few white collar cheats to jail. The best protection is education and the courage to ask questions of financial professionals. Take advantage of opportunities but don’t shop blindly. For example, the new $8000 (or 10% of the home’s value, whichever is less) credit for first-time homebuyers may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing so do your due diligence. Does it make sense to promote nearly 100% financing (with 3.5% minimum down payment) of homes to those with zero homeowner experience and limited money? Isn’t that what partially got America in the hot mess we are in now? Not that I would ever expect innovation from our political leaders…More than ever, save what you can to prepare for what appears to be a long climb out of this recession.
This advice may seem harsh and direct, but truth doesn’t always come in the form you like and expect. There are always exceptions to these suggestions, but don’t bet on you being that outlier. Trust your God and your instincts. Remember the ol’ country saying, “People are like onions.” You never really know someone 100% because there are layers and layers of new truth and experiences. And oftentimes that truth hurts without really trying. Choose your friends wisely and give them permission to tell you when you are out-of-line and that you need to check yourself. As the Bible tells us, guard your heart and act on those signals when someone shows you who they really are…including your new boo, financial advisor or manager. Read and become empowered in your own life journey. When you find a job that makes you smile each and every day AND you get paid for it – that is joy. And isn’t that what life is all about? Now go finish that glass of water.
Obama’s First 100 Days and Race
When considering the scorecard for Pres. Obama and race in his first 100 days in office, I am immediately reminded of the adage “Think Globally. Act Locally.” Our first Black president took over the steering wheel of a car with four flat tires that was not approaching a cliff, but was already in the air having begun its whirlwind descent to massive destruction. No, wait! It’s time for divine intervention — insert Superbrotha Man for rescue! Get real folks!
Although the list can be expanded and deconstructed, I have identified the two major issues to assist the Black community in this perilous time: Economics and Education. At this time, Pres. Obama does not need to specifically address race in terms of his immediate goals or policies because the entire nation is suffering. When people are drowning it doesn’t matter who is in 25 feet versus 50 feet of water. Just throw the life line! Remember, we are spiraling downward very fast; he has had to respond to Iraq and Afghanistan policies (e.g., exit timeline changed to 19 months and 30,000 troops redirected) and the financial markets implosion (e.g., $787B stimulus package and the rescue of major automakers). Yes, many Blacks are still in dire straits such as our likelihood of losing homes to foreclosure, twice as likely to be unemployed, and three times as likely to live in poverty. However, the emotional kick we all received with his election should not cloud our thinking to the extent that we could ever believe that with the touch of a magic wand all conditions would improve. And I would argue that the trending situation could not even be changed within a year.
The election of Pres. Obama provided the platform for us to believe in ourselves and our community again. We can look with optimism at our potential and ability to achieve anything. Let’s use that collective energy to effect change in our own communities. To become engaged in our local schools to offer solutions, volunteer, and “inspect what we expect.” If we all read more books and turned off the television, our young people just might be exposed to people and places that would motivate them to achieve and dream again. We can also become more service-minded and help those less fortunate who can’t read their financial reports or their electric bill. It’s time for more proactive economic workshops at our churches and community centers. Once again, it’s time for us to stop looking over yonder but rather celebrate and position our own power. Onward!
Money Talks.
Is it really all about the Benjamins? Some would argue so. Well, as the adage goes, “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. Rich is better.” Often times are disposition is based on our purse and wallet. When one has the ability to give to others financially, one feels better. We tend to spend our money on persons that we love. So I encourage you to manage your resources better so that you can serve others with love. And to be frank with you, I am more than discouraged by the ethics of our best and brightest on Wall Street, so don’t expect to find any recommendations regarding stocks and securities. Play it safe, my friend.
